Bringing Tennis to Amarillo Youth

Bringing Tennis to Amarillo Youth

Tennis in the Park is an initiative that allows juniors to have access to free tennis lessons for an hour a day during the summer.

Beginner, intermediate or advanced -- it doesn't matter what level of tennis player your child is, Tennis in the Parks is for any kid that has an interest in the game.

Bella Archer, Tennis in the Parks Participant, says, "Because I like it. Because we get to swing a lot."

Bella is a beginner but loves the weekly lessons, and her instructor, Mario Hernandez, wants to share his long-time love for the sport with the juniors of Amarillo.

Mario Hernandez, Tennis in the Parks Coach, says, "We usually do about three to four parks a week for an hour at each park and then we do those parks for a week then rotate to another three to four parks for the week. "

Tennis in the Parks in funded by the Alex O'Brien Foundation. Alex O'Brien is a professional tennis player, who competed on the Association of Tennis Professionals. He also became the world number one doubles player in May 2000.

The foundation partners with the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department to provide safe and positive summer activities for underprivileged juniors.

Mario says, "Teaching them the basics of tennis and introducing the sport to them at the parks."

Emma Archer, Tennis in the Parks participant, says, "I like to come to the camp and learn a lot of tennis. I've learned how to swing the racket and hit the balls."

The foundation is able to fund the project based on previous fundraising efforts.

"They fund everything -- all our rackets and nets and balls we utilize and they pay for my staff. I think it's a great opportunity to introduce tennis and build tennis in Amarillo," Mario says.